They are calling it 'the third period'... it is very common in rugby where the culture is totally different. The aim is to strengthen the notion of Fair Play in football.
Whatever the international football authorities want to introduce, it is certainly not something new or unknown. In fact, many Maltese University students had proudly practised this in Romania many, many years ago during an international tournament.
Episodes from Florence and Milan lately brought vivid memories from the past.
Recently, Fiorentina players earned much praise as they cheered their opponents Inter at the Stadio Artemio Franchi by forming two single files near the entrance tunnel at the end of the match which they had lost 0-2.
The much-appreciated gesture by the Fiorentina players was again repeated after the UEFA Cup tie with Mlada Boleslav.
Inter did the same, this time before and not after the derby match as they lined up outside the tunnel and welcomed the newly-crowned Club World Cup champions Milan as Paolo Maldini led them on to the San Siro pitch.
Apparently, this 'new' sporting approach is being encouraged by the media and those who govern the fortunes of the game in Italy. So much so that the Football League, chaired by Antonio Matarrese, will introduce a similar Fair Play novelty as from January 13.
Clubs have agreed that after the match, both sets of players, reserves and coaches are expected to line up on either side of the officials in the centre of the field and will eventually exchange greetings and congratulate each other, like they do at the end of volleyball matches.
This new approach reminded me of a similar gesture which the Malta University football team had introduced in Romania more than three decades ago.
At the time, the team I coached took part in an international tournament which had attracted tens of thousands of spectators for every match as the teams taking part fielded several well-known internationals.
Actually, I wondered how these performers managed to be full-time students at their university when at the same time, they were fulfilling their duties as full-timers with their respective football clubs!
But that is another matter.
The Maltese side was limited and suffered heavy defeats but earned the admiration of the crowds as, after the final whistle of every match we had played and lost, we lined up near the dressing room entrance to salute the victors.
Our sporting attitude brought us a most positive reputation and the results became rather unimportant.
The biggest cheer was always reserved for the Malta University team.
Some time after the end of the tournament, I had suggested the idea to UEFA and sincerely hoped that it would introduce something similar.
I had even hinted that the home team players were to salute their opponents off the field with a handshake as they returned to the dressing-room, irrespective of the result of the match. The then secretary of UEFA, Hans Bangerter, appreciated the suggestion but informed me that it is up to the national associations and the Football Leagues to think seriously about introducing the novelty.
Unfortunately, the matter had stopped there till Fiorentina, under Cesare Prandelli who had lost his wife a few days before, hosted Inter, the Italian champions, late last month.
It is hoped that the practice will eventually be a success and will take off unnecessary tension, while other bodies will eventually copy the Italians. The next dream then will be for the day when rival fans will do the same.